The simulation was carried out based on 1.8 L Ford diesel engine and the geometrical modification in structure of piston were considered in terms of bowl movement and the bowl size in four equal increments. Two major conflicting parameters in combustion and engine efficiency were taken into account and visualized in contour plots as the bowl geometry was varied: (1) the air/fuel mixing process demonstrated by Homogeneity Factor and equivalence ratio, (2) combustion initiation and work delivery by heat release rate, pressure curves, and indicated thermal efficiency. A new version of Coherent Flame Model's sub-model (ECFM-3Z) was adopted during the calculations to shed light into the combustion chemistry and reaction rate in detail. It was found that the bowl displacement toward the cylinder wall, increases the mixture uniformity (higher HF) thus higher pressure and heat release rate peak were obtained with the penalty of combustion delay which substantially reduces the effective in-cylinder pressure. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that smaller bowl size induces better squish and vortex formation in the chamber, although lesser spray penetration and flame quenching owing to the spray-wall impingement reduces ignition delay. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.